Price:$690.00
Salkantay Trek via Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | 4 Days
Description
The Salkantay Trek via Inca Trail is a rare hybrid route that pairs two of Peru’s most celebrated hikes into a single four-day adventure. Rainbow Mountain Vip designed this itinerary to trace the classic Salkantay path for the first two days, then branch onto a quieter trail that joins the historic Inca Trail network — giving you a taste of that legendary route long before most visitors ever reach it.
The trek takes its name from Mount Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), a sacred snow-capped peak that rises higher than any summit in North America. Along the way you’ll stand before the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, cross a high Andean pass flanked by glaciers, and descend through misty cloud forest into subtropical jungle thick with orchids and birdlife.
The final stretch mirrors the charm of the Classic Inca Trail, weaving past terraced ruins and Inca stonework on the approach to Aguas Calientes. Two nights of comfortable camping under the stars are followed by a hotel stay on the eve of your Machu Picchu visit, so you arrive rested for sunrise over the citadel.
Why Trek Salkantay via the Inca Trail
- A high Andean pass: reach 4,850 m / 15,908 ft at Incachiriasca Pass, framed by glaciers on every side.
- Turquoise lakes and glaciers: Humantay Lake’s electric-blue water sits beneath ancient ice.
- A quieter Inca route: walk a historic trail section with a fraction of the Classic Inca Trail’s crowds.
- Four ecosystems in four days: from high alpine terrain to cloud forest and subtropical jungle.
- Sunrise at Machu Picchu: enter the citadel as the first light touches its stone walls.
Tour Overview
Departure &
Return
Cusco, Peru (round-trip)
Return
Cusco, Peru (round-trip)
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
4 Days / 3 Nights
Group Size
Minimum 2 travelers; join a small shared group or book a private departure
Minimum 2 travelers; join a small shared group or book a private departure
Difficulty
Challenging — two demanding high-altitude days followed by easier terrain on Days 3–4
Challenging — two demanding high-altitude days followed by easier terrain on Days 3–4
Meals
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners prepared by your trek chef (lunch on Day 4 in Aguas Calientes not included)
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners prepared by your trek chef (lunch on Day 4 in Aguas Calientes not included)
Max Elevation
4,850 m / 15,908 ft (Incachiriasca Pass)
4,850 m / 15,908 ft (Incachiriasca Pass)
Transportation
Private transfer Cusco–Soraypampa, expedition train Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes (round trip), Machu Picchu shuttle bus, private return transfer to Cusco
Private transfer Cusco–Soraypampa, expedition train Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes (round trip), Machu Picchu shuttle bus, private return transfer to Cusco
Season
Best May–September (dry season); open year-round, with more rain November–March
Best May–September (dry season); open year-round, with more rain November–March
Itinerary
Itinerary
Pre-trek briefing (required): Plan to arrive in Cusco at least a day early for a mandatory hotel briefing with your Rainbow Mountain Vip guide, where you’ll review the route, ask questions, and get final packing advice before departure.
Day 1: Cusco to Ichupata via Humantay Lake
Early Morning
Cusco to Soraypampa
Early pickup from your Cusco hotel for a scenic two-hour drive through the Andes to Mollepata, with breakfast en route and views of Salkantay and Humantay peaks. Arrive at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) to meet your chef and horsemen.
~2.5 hours
Midday
Hike to Humantay Lake
Hike uphill for about 1.5 hours to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, framed by glaciers — a natural stop for photos and quiet reflection. Descend for lunch near camp.
~2.5 hours round trip
Afternoon
Trek to Ichupata Camp
Continue ascending through rugged high-altitude terrain to Ichupata camp (4,300 m / 14,108 ft), your home for the night.
~2–3 hours
Evening
Camp Life Under the Stars
Warm up with happy hour, a hearty dinner from your trek chef, and stargazing under some of the clearest night skies in the Andes.
Overnight — camping
12 km / 7.5 miles
5–6 hours hiking
3,800 m / 12,467 ft
4,300 m / 14,108 ft
Challenging
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tented camp at Ichupata
5–6 hours hiking
3,800 m / 12,467 ft
4,300 m / 14,108 ft
Challenging
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tented camp at Ichupata
Day 2: Ichupata to Pampacahuana via Incachiriasca Pass
Early Morning
Ascent to Incachiriasca Pass
After breakfast, begin the trek’s biggest challenge: a demanding 3–4 hour climb to Incachiriasca Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft), the highest point of the route. Take in sweeping views of glaciers, moraines, and endless Andean horizons at the summit.
3–4 hours
Midday
Sisaypampa Plateau & Lunch
Descend into the wide Sisaypampa plateau, where Andean condors are often seen riding the thermals. Stop for a well-earned lunch amid the open, wind-swept scenery.
~1.5 hours
Afternoon
Trek to Pampacahuana Valley
Continue over gentler terrain to the Pampacahuana valley (3,700 m / 12,140 ft), where camp is set beside a beautifully restored Inca canal still carrying clear mountain water.
~2–3 hours
Evening
Camp by an Ancient Inca Canal
Gather for happy hour, dinner, and another night beneath a dense canopy of stars.
Overnight — camping
14 km / 8.5 miles
8 hours hiking
3,700 m / 12,136 ft
4,850 m / 15,908 ft
Challenging — the trek’s toughest day
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tented camp at Pampacahuana
8 hours hiking
3,700 m / 12,136 ft
4,850 m / 15,908 ft
Challenging — the trek’s toughest day
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tented camp at Pampacahuana
Day 3: Pampacahuana to Aguas Calientes via Inca Ruins
Morning
Descent to Paucarcancha Ruins
A gentle two-hour descent through rolling terrain brings you to the Paucarcancha ruins, where your guide shares the history of this once-vital waypoint on the road to Machu Picchu.
~2 hours
Midday
Cloud Forest to Llactapata Ruins
The trail drops into lush cloud forest thick with orchids, bromeliads, and birdsong before reaching the remote Llactapata ruins — your first distant glimpse of Machu Picchu across the Urubamba valley.
~2–3 hours
Afternoon
KM 82 to Ollantaytambo
Continue downhill to KM 82 (Piscacucho), the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail, for lunch. From here, transfer by vehicle to Ollantaytambo to explore its cobblestone streets and Inca fortress before dinner.
~2–3 hours
Evening
Scenic Train to Aguas Calientes
Board an evening train that hugs the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. Check into your hotel and rest for tomorrow’s early start.
~1.5–2 hours
16 km / 10 miles
6.5–8 hours hiking
2,792 m / 9,158 ft
3,700 m / 12,136 ft
Easy — mostly downhill
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
6.5–8 hours hiking
2,792 m / 9,158 ft
3,700 m / 12,136 ft
Easy — mostly downhill
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
Early Morning
Sunrise Entry to Machu Picchu
Rise before dawn for a quick breakfast and catch the first bus up the switchbacks to Machu Picchu’s gates, entering the citadel as the sun’s first light crests the surrounding peaks.
~30–45 minutes by bus
Morning
Guided Tour of the Citadel
Join a two-hour guided tour with your Rainbow Mountain Vip guide, who reveals the site’s Inca engineering, astronomy, and spiritual significance.
~2 hours
Midday
Free Time or Optional Huayna Picchu
Choose to hike Huayna Picchu (additional fee, limited permits) or explore the citadel at your own pace. Descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch at your own expense.
~1–2 hours
Afternoon
Return to Cusco
Board the scenic train along the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, then take a private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
~4–5 hours
Light walking within the citadel
2-hour guided tour + optional hikes
2,040 m / 6,691 ft
2,440 m / 8,052 ft
Easy
Breakfast only
Trek ends — return to your Cusco hotel
2-hour guided tour + optional hikes
2,040 m / 6,691 ft
2,440 m / 8,052 ft
Easy
Breakfast only
Trek ends — return to your Cusco hotel
Inclusions
Inclusions
What’s Included & What’s Not
What’s Included
- Professional bilingual (English/Spanish) tour guide
- Pre-departure briefing at your hotel 1–2 days before the trek
- Emergency oxygen bottle, fully stocked medical kit & radios for safety
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and private transfer to the trailhead at Soraypampa
- Expedition train tickets Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes (round trip)
- Private vehicle transfer from Ollantaytambo/Poroy back to your Cusco hotel
- Round-trip bus tickets Aguas Calientes–Machu Picchu on Day 4
- High-quality four-person tent shared by two trekkers (Nights 1 & 2)
- Comfortable mattress and pillow for each trekker
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes, Night 3 (double occupancy, private bathroom)
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners prepared by our professional chef
- Dinner in Ollantaytambo on Night 3
- Twice-daily hot water for washing, plus boiled and cooled drinking water each morning
- Kitchen tent, dining tent with tables and chairs, and private toilet tent
- Wranglers, porters and horses to carry all group equipment
- Horses to carry up to 8 kg (15 lbs.) of personal belongings per trekker
- Duffle bag for your personal gear
- Emergency horse available during the trek
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (available to rent from us)
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (available to rent from us)
- Huayna Picchu climbing permit (additional USD $75 per person, subject to availability)
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 4
- Gratuities for the crew (recommended, at your discretion)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Packing List
Packing List
Packing List for the Salkantay Trek via Inca Trail
Pack in light, quick-dry layers — nights above 4,000 m are cold, but afternoons in the cloud forest can be warm and humid. Porters and horses carry up to 8 kg of personal gear per trekker in the duffle bag we provide.
Original PassportRequired for Machu Picchu entry and checkpoints; bring both old and new passports if recently renewed
Sleeping BagRated to 0°F/-18°C or lower for high camps; rentals available
Waterproof Trekking BootsSturdy, broken-in, with good ankle support
Layered ClothingQuick-dry base layers, a warm fleece & 2 pairs of trekking pants
Rain Jacket & PantsWaterproof, breathable layers for sudden showers
Warm Hat, Beanie & GlovesFor sun protection by day and cold at high camp
Sun ProtectionSPF 35+ sunscreen, SPF lip balm & polarized sunglasses
Personal MedicationsPrescriptions, altitude sickness pills, blister plasters & pain relievers
Insect RepellentMinimum 30% DEET for lower-elevation cloud forest sections
HeadlampWith spare batteries, for early starts and camp navigation
Trekking PolesRubber-tipped, recommended for steep descents; rentals available
Reusable Water Bottle1–2 liters; boiled water provided daily
Cash in SolesFor tips, purchases in Aguas Calientes & emergencies
Portable ChargerNo outlets on the trail; solar chargers work well
Pricing
Pricing
Pricing
Group Price
$690
USD per person
Min. 2 travelers · joins other Rainbow Mountain Vip trekkers to form a group
Private Price
$750
USD per person
Your party only — no other trekkers join your group
| Rentals & Add-Ons | Price |
|---|---|
| Hiking Poles (pair) | $25 USD |
| Sleeping Bag | $30 USD / person |
| Private Tent | $40 USD / person |
| Huayna Picchu Permit | $75 USD / person |
| Return Vistadome Train Upgrade | $60 USD / person |
| Return Hiram Bingham Train Upgrade | $420 USD / person |
| Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5★, double occ.) | $255 USD / person / night |
| Inkaterra El Pueblo Machu Picchu Hotel (5★, double occ.) | $250 USD / person / night |
| El Mapi Hotel by Inkaterra (4★, double occ.) | $115 USD / person / night |
| Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (3★+, double occ.) | $50 USD / person / night |
Discounts: $20 USD off for trekkers under 18; $35 USD off for children under 7 (accompanied by an adult).
Additional Info
Additional Info
Additional Information
- No special permit required: unlike the Classic Inca Trail, this route only requires a standard Machu Picchu entrance ticket, so departures can often be booked on short notice.
- Acclimatize in Cusco: we recommend 2–3 days in Cusco (3,400 m) before starting, to reduce the risk of altitude sickness on the trek’s high passes.
- Minimum age: generally 12+, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Group vs. Private: book “Group” to share the trek with other travelers and a lower per-person price, or “Private” to guarantee it’s just your party, regardless of size (minimum booking of 2 people; solo travelers may be joined with another group).
Faqs
Faqs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Salkantay Trek via Inca Trail
Is this an official combination of the Salkantay and Classic Inca Trail?
Not officially — the regulated 4-day Classic Inca Trail starts at KM 82 and requires a limited permit on a fixed route. This itinerary follows the standard Salkantay trail on Day 1, then switches on Days 2–3 to alternative paths through Inca Chiriaska, Paucarcancha, and Llactapata, part of the wider Inca Trail network. You reach KM 82 in reverse, just as Classic Inca Trail groups start their Day 1, before continuing by vehicle and train to Aguas Calientes.
Do I need a special permit for this trek?
No special trekking permit is required, unlike the Classic Inca Trail. You only need a standard Machu Picchu entrance ticket, and availability is generally flexible with departures often arranged on short notice.
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek via Inca Trail?
It’s rated challenging overall, especially on Days 1 and 2. Day 1 climbs to 4,300 m over 5–6 hours; Day 2 is the toughest, with 8 hours of hiking up to the 4,850 m pass. Day 3 is easier, mostly downhill through cloud forest, and Day 4 is light, centered on the guided Machu Picchu tour. Because the highest point is 4,850 m, altitude sickness is a real risk, so good fitness and 2–3 days of acclimatization in Cusco are essential.
What is the best time of year to do this trek?
The dry season, May to September, offers the clearest views and lowest chance of rain. The trail is open year-round, but the rainy season from November to March brings slippery trails and a higher risk of landslides.
What accommodations are provided?
Nights 1 and 2 are spent camping in comfortable tents at high-altitude sites — Ichupata and Pampacahuana. On Night 3, you’ll stay in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, giving you a proper rest before the early Machu Picchu visit.
Are meals and porter support included?
Yes. All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included on trekking days, except lunch on Day 4 in Aguas Calientes. Meals are freshly prepared by a dedicated chef, with snacks and happy hour included, while porters and horses carry your gear so you only need to manage a daypack.
How should I prepare for the altitude?
Spend at least 2–3 days acclimatizing in Cusco (3,400 m) before the trek. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and consider coca tea or altitude medication such as Diamox after consulting a doctor. Watch for headache or nausea, and descend if symptoms become severe.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, both are optional add-ons with limited tickets, so book in advance. Huayna Picchu is steeper and more strenuous, while Machu Picchu Mountain is a longer climb with broader panoramic views. Neither is recommended if you’re already fatigued from the trek.
What should I pack for this trek?
Focus on layered clothing for cold nights and warm days, rain gear, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, trekking poles, sun protection, a headlamp, and any personal medications. We provide a duffle bag for porters, with a personal gear limit of 8 kg.
Is this trek suitable for beginners or families?
It’s best suited to moderately fit hikers with some previous trekking experience, rather than complete beginners, due to the high altitude and long days. The minimum age is generally 12, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
How do I get back to Cusco after Machu Picchu?
On Day 4, you’ll take the bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, board a scenic train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, and finish with a private transfer to Cusco, typically arriving in the late afternoon or evening.
Why choose this hybrid trek over the Classic Inca Trail?
It combines glaciers, turquoise lakes, cloud forest, and jungle with genuine Inca ruins, all with far fewer crowds than the Classic Inca Trail — a compact 4-day route that blends wilderness and history.
Why choose Rainbow Mountain Vip for the Salkantay Trek?
Among hundreds of Peruvian tour operators, Rainbow Mountain Vip stands out for fair wages and community-focused, sustainable Andean travel; consistently strong traveler reviews for organization and service; expert local guides who bring the route’s culture and history to life in small groups; chef-prepared meals for all diets alongside comfortable camps and smooth logistics; and a commitment to supporting education in remote Andean communities.
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